Telegraph Hill

Telegraph Hill rises near the e. end of Lombard St. Called Loma Alta by the Spanish and Goat Hill by early city residents, Telegraph Hill's current name was adopted in 1849 from a structure similar to a windmill on the top of the hill that used a semaphore-like system to signal merchants of the imminent arrival of ships. Telegraph Hill is now crowned by Coit Tower, the monument to San Francisco firefighters that is a distinctive North Beach landmark.

One of the most visually rewarding ways to ascend Telegraph Hill is via the Filbert Steps, which rise in three sections up the east side. The steps end at Telegraph Hill Boulevard, the road that encircles the base of Coit Tower. The tower grounds are lovely, and from this elevated perspective there are fine views of the bay.